Jorge Jesus took control of Al-Nassr this summer, succeeding Stefano Pioli with the aim of relaunching a team that remained empty-handed last season. Eliminated in the Asian Champions League and distant in the league, the Saudi club is looking for a new breath. And for Jesus, a man of character with a loaded CV, this new mission promises to be exciting. Especially since a specific player was decisive in his decision to accept this position.
A rare and assumed tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo
Barely arrived, the Portuguese coach wanted to deliver his opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo. And it is an understatement to say that his words are strong. In the program “Primeira Pessoa” on RTP, Jorge Jesus did not hide his admiration : “Ronaldo is the greatest human character in the world. It is the largest world celebrity. He goes far beyond football. »»
According to him, the fivefold Ballon d'Or remains underestimated in its own country, even though its influence largely exceeds the green rectangle.
Jesus believes that his link with Ronaldo goes beyond the simple sports framework. “We think in the same way, apart from football too”he said, emphasizing the exceptional longevity of CR7. At 40, the Al-Nassr captain continues to dominate the Saudi Pro League and embodies a model of professionalism and discipline. This level of requirement, Jesus intends to use it as a lever to grow the group.
Ronaldo, engine of the Jorge Jesus project in Al-Nassr
A duo at the heart of the Al-Nassr project
In a team looking for titles, the Jesus-Ronaldo pair may well represent the basis of renewal. The Portuguese scored 25 goals last season, finishing top scorer in the championship. With the arrival of Jorge Jesus, the club intends to build a more balanced team around its star and aim again in the summits, both in Saudi Arabia than in Asia.
This Portuguese tandem gives momentum to an ambitious project. For Jesus, CR7 is not only a sporting asset, but a universal leader capable of wearing a cloakroom and an institution. It remains to be seen whether this alchemy will be enough to fill the gap with Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, and replace al-Nassr at the top.
